How to repair Birkenstocks

Birkenstock shoe repair made easy!

In this video you will see the four steps used to restore a Birkenstock. The four steps include disassembly, sole preparation, glue/assembly and finishing work (luxury shine and condition).

Supplies needed:

Step 1 – Disassemble:

The first step in disassembly, is to remove the sole. This can be easy or very hard. A set of nippers is the best tool to use. Grab a piece of the Birkenstock soling material and pull apart. If the sole does not come off easily, use a little bit of thinner on the seam between the rubber and the cork. A flathead screwdriver is also helpful when separating the materials.

Step 2 – Sole Preparation:

Sole preparation includes building up the cork foot bed anywhere that the cork has been worn off. Using pieces of cork sheeting, glue individual layers with contact cement onto the worn areas. It is important to let the glue dry 10-15 minutes for each layer. This will ensure adhesion. When the layers are thick enough, use a razor knife to trim excess cork around the sides. Finally, use a heavy-grit sand paper to even the cork to allow for the sole to lie flat.

Step 3 – Glue Soles/Assembly

Gluing the soles also includes gluing the straps to the sides of the cork footbed. Unbuckle the straps first and apply the glue to the same place it was glued before. This may seem obvious but it is trickier than most expect. Take your time. Wait 15 minutes for the glue to set up before pushing the straps together.

Once the straps are finished, apply glue to the sole and to the cork bottom. Apply the glue with even strokes and make sure to cover each surface completely to avoid touching up the glue later, it is more difficult. Wait 20 minutes for the glue to dry. Apply the sole to the cork footbed and make sure all edges have touched and that you have a good seal.

Step 4 – Finish/Polish

Using a soft rag and Cadillac Boot and Shoe care, apply a thin layer of conditioner and let sit for 5 minutes. Next, apply shoe cream to all leather surfaces. After the shoe cream, apply a thin layer of Lincoln Stain Wax. Finally, buff the leather with a brush or terrycloth towel to remove excess wax and bring out the luster in the leather.

The last step in the finish work is to add Cork Renew to the exposed cork and let dry for 20 minutes.